Boys prep of the week: Samson Donick

 What he did: Donick averaged 21.5 points in two MCAL games last week, including a 27-point outburst in the Giants' 77-66 overtime victory over Novato. Although the guard is among the county's scoring leaders overall, he entered last week's game averaging only 12 points in MCAL contests. With his 43 points last week, Donick improved his scoring average in league to 13.3.

 What he said: "We got off to a rough start in league, so we really needed to win that Novato game. I had come out flat in a couple of previous games, so I knew I had to come out with more intensity, especially on the defensive end to help my team win. I was inspired by my teammates because they were playing hard. In preseason, I had shot well beyond the arc, but I struggled from there early in league play. Against Novato, some shots went down for me that hadn't been going down the last couple of games. I'm definitely not a pure shooter. I think I'm better getting to the basket and creating, looking for my teammates. I think I'm a better passer. I am leading the team in scoring, but I don't think of myself as that being my game."

 What's next: "We're only 2-5 in the MCAL. It's frustrating," Donick said. "But we're looking to build off the last win, try to keep playing hard and focused on the defensive end. I hope we can finish strong. We've got to continue working hard in practice and come out fired up for games, and hopefully things will work out. I owe it to my teammates to play as hard as I can every game."

 Off the court: "I have two younger brothers and a younger sister so I try to spend time with my family," Donick said. "I love reading. My favorite book is 'Killer Angels.' It's about Gettysburg. I like history novels. But, to be honest, basketball and school are taking up most of my time right now. Last summer I did an internship at a real estate investment firm."

 Trivial matter: "People probably don't know how close I am with my siblings and how much time I spend with my family," Donick said. "I'm big Niners fan, too." Considering his name (Samson) Donick said he is not scared to cut his hair. "But I've thought about it before," he said.

 Coach Steve Compagno: "Samson has a very different level of intensity — an upper level intensity. He has an insatiable desire to compete. He wants his team to be successful. He understands concepts of the game and really tries to make the people around him better. He's a great leader, a captain on our team. Against Novato, he willed his team to victory."